6 Tips for a Better Barbecue

2 years ago

1. Serve less meat, but buy the expensive stuff . . . grass-fed beef, dry-aged steaks, and wild seafood. Anybody can grill a hundred burgers for 20 people. You can make people remember your party if your meat TASTES GOOD.

2. Focus on the vegetables. Instead of chips and salsa, serve charred vegetables with dipping sauces. Or grill vegetables and puree them into fresh sauces for your meat.

3. Make your own rub. For a dry rub, just throw some paprika and chili powder together with brown sugar, oregano, salt, and garlic.

4. Use high, medium, and then low heat. Put a high-heat flame on the left side of the grill to get your sear marks. Then cook the meat in the middle on medium heat, and then move it to low heat to keep warm.

5. Keep track of cooking temperatures. Food poisoning will wreck it for everybody. Cook everything at 140 degrees or above, and smoked food should be cooked between 180 and 220.

6. Serve fruit for dessert. Nobody saves room for brownies and ice cream. Just grill up some slices of pineapple, peaches, or mango. You can also serve them with angel food cake, toasted right on the grill.

Hello iHeartMedia & KTRH Connected listeners! I'm Rachel Estrada, born in the Houston Heights. As a native "Heightstonian," I have worked in Houston newsrooms over the years, bringing to you all the big stories life in this big city has offered. On KTRH Connected, I work around the clock to bring you the latest on what's happening on the web, with an edge! I'm an award winning photographer and videographer, an active member of the film community with an instinct for what's happening in the Houston community. Thanks for checking out KTRH Connected each morning!